The first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project has been officially inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu. Covering a distance of 37km, this project aims to enhance transportation efficiency and decrease travel duration within the state. During the event, the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo and Jason Zhang, Chairman of CCECC Nigeria Limited, signed the Phase 2 contract for the LRMT Red Line project in the president’s presence. Speaking to the audience in Ikeja, President Tinubu urged the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, to improve cooperation between the federal and state governments to create dependable, effective, and affordable transportation networks for all citizens throughout Nigeria.
He expressed his pride in being a resident of Lagos and the first to hold the position of president in Nigeria. As he prepared for a visit trip to Qatar, he took a symbolic train ride from Ikeja to Agege, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat by his side along with some state governors, officials from both Federal and State Executive Councils, lawmakers from Federal and State Legislative Assemblies, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, and a handpicked selection of reporters.
Lagos is at the forefront of excellence and infrastructural development.
Looking back on his time, as the ex-governor of Lagos State, he expressed joy in seeing the once-dreamed-of modern public transportation system come to fruition. He praised the dedication and hard work of past administrations that helped make this vision a reality. It marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructural development, with Lagos at the forefront as a shining example of excellence. Dreaming is not only beneficial but also serves as a strong affirmation of the effectiveness of democracy as a system where power lies in the hands of the citizens.
20 years ago, he took on the role of leading the most densely populated state in Nigeria. Despite starting with limited resources and facing numerous challenges, his team worked tirelessly around the clock to bring to life a vision of development that would turn Lagos into a thriving economic hub. Today, that dream is finally being achieved. He also praised the outstanding work of LAMATA, the city’s transportation organisation he founded two decades ago. He urged LAMATA to continue progress on the Red Line project and the overall rail plan for the state.
Modern infrastructure will improve people’s lives.
During his first train ride as President, Tinubu addressed the media and promised Nigerians an improved quality of life with the implementation of modern Infrastructure nationwide. He emphasised the importance of a people-centric transportation system and proudly mentioned the significant reduction in PMS imports by nearly half. The implementation of mass transit is vital to support the daily routines of residents and enhance convenience for the community. This initiative prioritises the well-being of the people and upholds democratic values. The community expresses great satisfaction with this development.
He urged the people of Nigeria to welcome change and strive for advancement as a nation. He restated his government’s dedication to eliminating Corruption and urged labour unions to avoid causing disruptions. Some labour unions should realise that initiating strikes within the first nine months of a new administration is not acceptable, regardless of their insistence on freedom and rights. In order to take part in the electoral process first hand, individuals should wait until 2027. Otherwise, it is important to uphold peace. Nigeria’s political landscape is diverse, with Labour being just one of many voices.
Related Article: Rail project to improve Lagos’ transportation
On his part, Governor Sanwo-Olu detailed that the initial stage of the initiative, which the State Government carried out, covers a distance of 37 kilometres and runs alongside the track used for the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Lagos-Ibadan modernisation scheme from Ebute Metta to Agbado. The route includes stops at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, and Iju. The governor announced that the first phase of the project will initially carry 750,000 passengers per day and is projected to accommodate 1.1 million passengers daily upon completion. All stations are operational and prepared to serve passengers.